2014 NFL Mid-Season Report Card

By Tom Crincoli and Tim Crosio

AFC East

New England Patriots

Grade: B+

Tom Brady looks to have regained his old form after some struggles throughout the first few weeks. With his favorite target Rob Gronkowski staying healthy so far, the Patriots are once again the favorite to win their division. 

Buffalo Bills

Grade: C+

The Bills have knocked off EJ Manuel as their starter and have now turned to Kyle Orton who has played well in his first few starts with the team. The team’s main point of emphasis on defense has been their pass rush keeping opposing QBs on their toes at all times. Buffalo will most likely be in a battle for second place with the Dolphins.

Miami Dolphins

Grade: C+

Miami was nearly in the same position as the Bills after some poor play from Ryan Tannehill, but decided to stick with him as their starter. Although they have shown how well their defense can play, the Dolphins are going to need their QB to step it up in order for them to have a postseason appearance.

New York Jets

Grade: F

The Jets horrendous secondary and offense that continually fails to execute has ultimately been the reason for their terrible record. Unless they can pull it together for the rest of the stretch, it is hard to picture this team even winning five games this year.

AFC North

Cincinnati Bengals

Grade: B

When healthy this team has plenty of offensive weapons to get them into the playoffs, but an inconsistent defense has gotten them in trouble a few times this year. Their division is filled with stiff competition making every game important moving forward.

Baltimore Ravens

Grade: B+

Joe Flacco has found instant chemistry with offseason acquisition Steve Smith Sr. while Justin Forsett has filled the hole Ray Rice left in their backfield. Baltimore’s defense lead by Terrell Suggs has played exceptionally well. The team is currently is in a race with Cincinnati and Pittsburgh for first place.

Pittsburgh Steelers

Grade: B+

Le’Veon Bell, Antonio Brown, and Ben Roethlisberger have been quite the trio so far this season. A long as the big three are consistently putting up points, the Steelers remain in big contention with the rest of the division.

Cleveland Browns

Grade: C+

They may not hold the highest expectations, especially with the loss of Josh Gordon for a good portion of the year, but the Browns have played well enough to not be forgotten. Cleveland has a defense that can make game changing plays leaving the teams fate in the hands of QB, Brian Hoyer.

AFC South

Indianapolis Colts

Grade: B+

Andrew Luck has positioned himself as one of the best quarterbacks in the league in the early parts of his career. He has a nice receiving core to compliment his play, including a healthy Reggie Wayne and a young gun in T.Y. Hilton. The Colts defense has seen some ugly lapses at times, but they are still the favorite to win their division.

Houston Texans

Grade: C+

J.J. Watt looks like he can carry this team at times, making him a strong candidate for the league’s MVP. At this point it wouldn’t be surprising if Watt starting throwing the ball and kicking field goals as well. For now they will stick with Ryan Fitzpatrick at Quarterback, who has bounced around the league in recent years.

Tennessee Titans

Grade: D

The Titans season hopes were short lived after a nice start from Jake Locker. The team is having trouble in every aspect of their game making it safe to say they won’t be a playoff team.

Jacksonville Jaguars

Grade: D

Chad Henne was given his last chance to prove himself as a starting quarterback only to lose it to first overall draft pick Blake Bortles. At this point, every win is just a bonus for Jacksonville fans, as the team will probably finish at the bottom once again.

AFC West

Denver Broncos

Grade: A+

It’s hard to find a hole in this Denver team. The Broncos have easily gotten over the blowout they faced in last year’s Super Bowl and are hungry to get back there again this year. Peyton Manning’s age refuses to factor into his play leaving the Broncos as the favorites in their division, and maybe even the entire league.

San Diego Chargers

Grade: A-

Philip Rivers is on a mission this year to prove that San Diego is still a powerhouse in the AFC. While Rivers and his offense have played well enough to be where they want to be, injuries to their defense will be a thorn in their side moving forward. Expect them to be a Wild Card team as they get healthy.

Kansas City Chiefs

Grade: B+

As another injury riddled defense, the Chiefs are stuck in a tough division with two offensive powerhouses in their way. Kansas City aren’t off to quite as good of a start as last season but still remain in as a team capable of making the playoffs. It may be a fight to the finish with San Diego for a Wild Card spot. 

Oakland Raiders

Grade: F

Not much to expect from this Oakland team as they are in a rebuilding process. Quarterback Derek Carr has shown some source of promise but until they win some games, the Raiders will remain a team with an F grade.

NFC East
Dallas Cowboys

Grade:  A

The Cowboys had a rough start in the beginning of this season with a tough loss to San Fransisco. Since then, Dallas has been on a tare, ripping through their opponents with the help of Tony Romo's good play and from Demarco Murray who is having a career year. As long as the offensive line, Romo and Murray stay healthy, Dallas should make a deep playoff run.

Philadelphia Eagles

Grade: B

The Eagles are off with a 5-1 start, but their offense isn't exactly where they want. Chip Kelly's speedy offense has been hampered due to the injuries on the offensive line and running back, Darren Sproles, as well as a poor play from running back, Lesean McCoy and quarter back, Nick Foles. Kelly's offense should return to its former glory once the offensive line and Sproles become healthy again. The Eagles will be tough to beat down the stretch.

NY Giants

Grade: D

The Giants have struggled as a team so far this season in terms of offense, defense and special teams. Injuries have plagued the Giants, especially the injury to wide receiver, Victor Cruz a few weeks ago in Philadelphia. Do not expect anything special from the Giants heading into the second half of the season.

Washington Redskins

Grade: F

Washington is a dismal 2-5 this season. They have seen quarter back, Robert Griffin go down to injury, Kirk cousins start strong and then self-destruct, and are now onto third string quarter back colt McCoy. Things may be looking up for the Redskins, with Griffin due to return any time now and having just winning their second game of the season.

NFC North
Green Bay Packers

Grade: A

Packer fans have nothing to worry about as long as Quarter back, Aaron Rogers is their quarterback. Rogers and the Packers offense are off to a fast start this year after some debate of whether or not Aaron Rogers was still capable of success in Green Bay. The pack defense led by Clay Mathews at linebacker has returned to its former self from 2010 when they last one the Super Bowl. Don't expect anything less than success as long as Rogers leads the packers onto the field.

Detroit Lions

Grade: B

The lions are a hot team on a role coming from behind and winning late in games. The Lions offense has not missed a beat despite the fact they lost the league’s best wide receiver Calvin Johnson to injury. The defense has helped to keep games close late in games and has lead to  success.

Chicago Bears

Grade: D

Quarterback Jay Cutler and his bears offense has been anything but spectacular the first half of the season. The Bears coach, Marc Trestman has to get cutler and this team scoring points and winning games.

Minnesota Vikings

Grade: F

The Vikings have done nothing impressive so far this year. Do not expect them to make a turnaround either, especially with the loss of all pro running back Adrian Peterson. The Vikings will continue to start Teddy Bridgewater at quarterback and Jerick McKinnon at running back to get them playing time until they can hope to improve this offseason.

NFC South
Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Grade: F

The addition of new coach, Lovie Smith and quarterback, Josh McCown have done nothing to improve this team. The Buccaneers will have to wait for the offseason to improve.

New Orleans Saints

Grade: D

Drew Brees has not been himself so far this year making many unforced mistakes. Defensive coordinator, rob Ryan and his defense have been like Swiss cheese to opposing offenses this season. Do not count the saints out yet though Drew Brees has a knack for coming through late in the season.

Atlanta Falcons

Grade: F

The Falcons have been plagued with the injury bug once again this season and it has struck their offensive line and the defense. The quarterback Matt Ryan is having a strong year for a quarterback without an offensive line. Until everyone is healthy and the Falcons can get a year without the injury bug they will not contend like they did only 2 years ago.

Carolina Panthers

Grade: C

The Panthers defense has been the biggest upset this year they lost many key players to free agency and suspension and it has caused them to drop to the bottom of the league in defense. As bad as the defense has been the offense hasn't been much better quarterback Cam Newton has not been able to move the ball with as much ease since the release of wide receiver Steve Smith. While struggling they have still been able to win a couple of close games and lead in the NFC South.

NFC West
Seattle Seahawks

Grade: B

Even though the Seahawks have struggled the last few weeks they still posses the best defense in the league. The trading of Percy Harvin just reassured the strength of their locker room and will help quarterback Russell Wilson keep control of his offense. The Seahawks are still the front runners in the NFC to repeat and make it back to the Super Bowl.

San Francisco 49ers

Grade: C:

The 49ers have been banged up most of the first half of the season and it has hurt them. The defense specifically the linebackers and the secondary have been missing most of this season. In order for the 49ers to make a run at the playoffs the defense will need to get healthy and perform to their full capability.

St. Louis Rams

Grade: F

Austin Davis has shown a lot of upside after jumping from 3rd string to starting quarterback. Regardless of his play the Rams are once again on pace to miss the playoffs in one of the NFLs hardest divisions.

Arizona Cardinals

Grade: A

Backup quarterback Sean Hill along with the strong defense kept them afloat at 5-1 without their starting quarterback Carson Palmer. With Palmer back and the defense still the strength of the team do not expect this Cardinals team to miss out on the playoffs.